France has declared the indefinite closure of its embassy in Niger in response to increasing tensions and restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government. The embassy cited its inability to operate normally or fulfill its missions under the current circumstances. Former French ambassador Sylvain Itté revealed that local embassy staff had also been dismissed.
Tensions between Niger and France heightened following the military coup in July, which resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. In September, Itté and several French staff members left Niger, a month after the military regime ordered the ambassador’s departure and imposed a blockade around the embassy premises in Niamey, the capital.
The embassy had previously faced an attack by thousands of pro-junta protestors shortly after the coup, although Nigerien forces dispersed the crowd before they could enter the building.
The closure of the French embassy comes as the military government set a deadline for the exit of French troops, scheduled for Friday. These troops have been stationed in Niger to support efforts against jihadist groups affiliated with both al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
The shutdown of the French embassy highlights the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations, raising concerns about future cooperation in addressing security challenges in the region. This situation underscores broader geopolitical implications arising from strained ties between Western nations and African governments.